AMES, Iowa  An Iowa State University student suffering from
meningitis remains hospitalized in serious condition.

The student was admitted to Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames, on
Wednesday, Jan. 31. His condition was upgraded from critical to serious on
Friday.

In the meantime, a student who had close contact with the hospitalized
student has been diagnosed with an infection of the bloodstream --
meningiococcemia. The student does not have meningitis, university officials
said. Meningiococcemia is due to the same bacteria that can cause
meningitis, but it has not infected the brain or central nervous system. The
student was not hospitalized and is responding well to outpatient treatment,
university officials said.

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person's
spinal cord and fluid that surrounds the brain. Meningitis bacteria are
spread through droplets from the nose and throat. The bacteria are spread
through close contact, which includes such things as kissing, sharing
utensils or drinking from the same glass. None of the bacteria that cause
meningitis are as contagious as illnesses like the common cold or the flu,
and they are not spread by casual contact, according to the Centers for
Disease Control.

University officials have contacted people who might have had very close
contact with the two students. A preventive antibiotic, "Cipro," has been
given to anyone who has had contact with the students.

State and county health officials have been notified of the
situation.

Bacterial meningitis can cause brain damage, hearing loss, learning
disability and, in severe cases, death. Signs of meningitis include high
fever, headache and stiff neck. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting,
discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion and sleepiness. Iowa State
students who display these symptoms are being urged to contact the Student
Health Center.